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Formula One: Caterham adds American Alexander Rossi for test sessions

March 8, 2012

Alexander Rossi, test driver for its Formula One team, will continue to race in the Renault 3.5 series with Caterham. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Caterham is expanding its stable of drivers, as American Alexander Rossi has been confirmed as Caterham's test driver, alongside Dutchman Giedo van der Garde, who has already been announced reserve driver.

Although no races have been listed, he will gain more F1 experience running in Friday practice sessions.

Rossi will continue to race in the Renault 3.5 series with Caterham.

Team principal Tony Fernandes said: “Today's announcement marks an important next step for [the] Caterham F1 Team and Alexander's career. As our official F1 test driver, Alexander is a key figure in our long-term plans, and the investment we are making in him now will help him make the most of the natural talent he has at his disposal.

“We see 2012 as an important year for Alexander, as he will be combining a full calendar in World Series by Renault, a championship he has a very good chance of winning, with his test-driver role, and giving him the chance to take part in FP1 gives him the platform from which he can grow into an even bigger F1 role.”

Rossi said: “In the past year, I have spent time in Hingham at the factory and built solid relationships right across the team. I feel really comfortable with everyone and am looking forward to growing as a professional with Caterham and acquiring as much experience as possible from Friday practice, the F1 simulator and time with the team.

“Winter training has been very good as Pro Performance, Caterham F1 Team's physios, are looking after all my fitness and nutrition, preparing me for this season and my next step to F1. I am fully ready for the task at hand. I have not been in a car since the F1 rookie test in Abu Dhabi last November but have been on the simulator.

“I am very eager for World Series by Renault testing to begin next week and get down to work, where I'll be running with Arden Caterham in the classic green and yellow colors. The 2011 season was good, but now I have that experience under my belt, and I'm determined to fight for the championship throughout the 2012 season. This is going to be an incredible year.”